National Memory Screening Day will beTuesday, November 18, 2014

Call Mady Ernst at (813)974-4357 to schedule an apointment for the Memory Screening Day.

History

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America initiated National Memory Screening Day November 2003 as part of its mission to provide "optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia, and to their caregivers and families"... and as part of its focus on "Caring for the Nation".

The USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute has been a proud partner since 2004.The day long event takes place in November in recognition of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. In addition to the memory screenings, the Institute also provides medication reviews, blood pressure screenings and exhibits from local health care and service providers.

Memory screenings are available throughout the year at no charge, and those appointments can be scheduled by calling the Clinic at (813)974-4355.

Who Should be Screened?

Memory screenings are for anyone concerned about memory loss or experiencing warning signs of dementia. People whose family and friends have noticed changes in them; or who believe they are at risk due to a family history of Alzheimer's disease or a related illness will also benefit from a screening.

These questions might help you decide if you should be screened. If you answer "yes" to any of them, you might benefit from a memory screening.

Am I becoming more forgetful?

Do I have trouble concentrating?

Do I have difficulty performing familiar tasks?

Do I have trouble recalling words or names in conversation?

Do I sometimes forget where I am or where I am going?

Have family or friends told me that I am repeating questions or saying the same thing over and over again?

Am I misplacing things more often?

Have I become lost when walking or driving?

Have my family or friends noticed changes in my mood, behavior, personality, or desire to do things?

Note: A memory screening is not a diagnostic evaluation and does not replace a comprehensive evaluation with a qualified physician or other healthcare professional. A memory screening gives us information to determine if a a full medical evaluation is recommended.

Memory Screening Process

A memory screening is a simple and safe evaluation tool that checks memory and other thinking skills. It can indicate whether an additional check up by a qualified healthcare professional is needed.

Various healthcare professionals provide the memory screenings, including social workers, physician assistants, nurses, psychologists, physicians and other professional staff at the Institute.

The face-to-face screening takes place in a private setting.

A screening consists of a series of questions and/or tasks designed to test memory, language skills, thinking ability, and other intellectual functions.

The person who administers the screening will review the results with the person being screened, and suggest whether the person should follow up with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for more extensive testing.

Results of the memory screenings are confidential. The participant will receive the screening results to bring to a healthcare professional for follow-up and/or inclusion in medical files.